One of the biggest challenges for electrical contractors is creating a reputation for ethical operations in an industry perceived as fraught with unethical practices. Is it possible to operate ethically...

Recent Stories

The recently retrofitted IBEW Local No. 332’s Union Hall in San Jose, Calif. is net-zero-energy efficient, with a 200-kilowatt (kW) rooftop solar array—spelling out “IBEW”—that can be seen from the air. Pacific Ridge Electric...

The knockout tool is an example of how tools evolve to perform tasks easier, faster and more efficiently, thus helping electricians get more done in less time. Knockout tools—also called knockout punches—are a single-purpose...

One of the biggest challenges for electrical contractors is creating a reputation for ethical operations in an industry perceived as fraught with unethical practices. Is it possible to operate ethically and still earn a decen...

Electrical contractors have their share of unusual customers, but few demand as much respect—and attention—as an elephant. Cherry City Electric crews may be the few in their trade who can say they’ve worked closely with the w...

Jerry McGlynn knew he had to catch up. He had been hired to take charge of his company’s safety program and needed a whole new set of certifications to fill that role. So, he set out to acquire them. Today, his business card...

I have had the opportunity to travel around the United States over the past few weeks, touring the Illinois Institute of Technology and attending ELECTRI International’s recent meeting in Florida. I realized during this trip...

So you might notice a change. The Integrated Systems Contractor section has graduated to become an integral part of ­ELECTRICAL ­CONTRACTOR’s monthly coverage. We have written about these topics (systems, security, fire/life...

In the competitive and dangerous field of electrical construction, safety issues are vital. If a contractor has too many job-related accidents and an unsatisfactory safety rating, it could directly impact the company’s produc...

I’m pretty sure that, when you read the question above you answered, "electrical contractor!" After all, this magazine is all about the electrical contractor and the electrical contracting industry. What you may not realize i...

It's no surprise that, as Americans become more dependent on computers, smartphones and other digital devices, demand for electricity increases. A study published this January in the science journal Joule looks more closely a...